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Multiple Choice
Which of the following cranial nerves regulates respiration?
A
Accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)
B
Facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
C
Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
D
Optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of cranial nerves in regulating physiological functions. Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and various parts of the body, including muscles, organs, and sensory structures.
Step 2: Identify the cranial nerve associated with respiration. Respiration is primarily regulated by the autonomic nervous system, and the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X) plays a key role in controlling involuntary functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.
Step 3: Review the specific functions of the listed cranial nerves:
- Accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve XI): Primarily controls muscles involved in head and shoulder movement.
- Facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII): Responsible for facial expressions and some sensory functions.
- Optic nerve (Cranial Nerve II): Transmits visual information from the eyes to the brain.
- Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X): Regulates autonomic functions, including respiration.
Step 4: Focus on the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X). It innervates the lungs and diaphragm, influencing the respiratory rate and depth by transmitting signals to and from the brainstem, specifically the medulla oblongata, which houses the respiratory control centers.
Step 5: Conclude that the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X) is the correct answer because it directly regulates respiration through its autonomic control of the lungs and diaphragm.